A new day

Chapter Six

Mason

The alarm woke me up again, with a familiar reminder that I was single again. I felt a dull ache in my chest, the kind of pain that was hard to let go. 

I stared at the phone on the wooden table beside me feeling a strong urge to pick up the phone and dial her number.   I still couldn't get over the fact that Madison and I were over. 

Three years ago, Madison walked up to me with a seductive smile on her face, her lips painted red and her blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders. She introduced herself to me and asked me to dance with her on the floor. 

Without hesitating, I accepted even though I sulked at dancing.

She held my hand and the fast-playing song transitioned to a slow love song meant for couples. 

With a gentle tug, she pulled me in, staring into my eyes confessing that I had the most beautiful smile she had ever seen, although her breath reeked of alcohol I couldn't help but blush at her words.

It was this night I realized she would be my girl, she was so different from me, she was wild and free while I was just a simple guy and a workaholic but she was a spendthrift and a sassy queen. I needed that spark in my life, I needed someone to bring me out of my shells.

But unknown to me that was the beginning of my downfall. Last night's argument proved that I loved her more than she loved me.

Or maybe, the love faded away because I was taking too much time to be successful.

Her hurtful words replayed in my head and the way she held Mr Montez's hands when she told me right in the face that he was the man she deserved.

It felt like a slap to my face. A painful one.

A part of me was angry and petrified, I wanted to tell her how much she had hurt me and how I was disappointed she would throw everything all away just because I didn't have a job.

Yet the other part wanted to pick up that phone; I wanted to give her a chance to explain what went wrong. 

But then it clicked in my head, Madison cheated on me, she did it on purpose, she knew fully well she was going to be caught in the act but she still did it anyway.

"No," I muttered to myself, averting my gaze to the wall clock. Damn! I was almost late for work.  The time for sulking is over.

I dragged myself out of bed, hurried through my morning routine, and picked out a navy blue suit and a black tie. 

I needed it to look good on my first day at work, I gelled my hair backward and admired myself in the full-sized mirror. My hands felt oddly shaky as I tied the knot, I could feel nervousness setting in.

"You got this Mason Anderson," I assured myself, looking into the mirror again almost feeling like myself.

This heartbreak won't ruin my day.

I quickly made a cup of tea which I gulped down my throat not reacting to the burning sensation.

After locking the house, I got in my car and drove to Emily's house. 

We were supposed to head to work together. As I approached the mansion, I sighted her from afar, she was standing confidently by the sidewalk, scrolling on her phone. She was dressed in a fitted, charcoal black dress, embodying the role of a CEO. Her black hair packed back in a ponytail, straight and sleek framing her oval face perfectly. Her large dark eyes seemed captivating like there was a secret beneath them.

I pulled up beside her and rolled down the window. "Hey, Emily. Good morning."

She looked up, her face brightening when she saw me. "Hey, morning, Mason," she replied smoothly, slipping her phone into her bag. "You came with a car, I don't think you need to worry about driving today. We're taking my car, today is your first day of work and you are going to be working directly with the CEO."

"Sounds nice," I nodded, trying not to sound as awkward as I felt. I followed her to her car, a sleek black Range Rover that looked like it cost more than most people's yearly salary. She unlocked it with a simple tap, and we both climbed to the back seat, the plush leather seats practically hugging us.

The drive to work was silent at first. I focused on the road, trying to keep my mind from drifting back to my breakup and not trying to force conversations. Beside me, Emily adjusted the documents in her bag and tapped on her phone, making notes, already in work mode. She looked over at me once, her eyes softening just a bit.

"You look sad," she commented, noticing I wasn't in my usual cheerful mood.

I returned her a weak smile. "I had a rough night," I confessed, but quickly changed the conversation. "So, we're going to White Nova Robotics?"

Emily nodded, her gaze fixed on the road, her gaze resting on the chauffeur that was driving us. "Yes, My uncle said the executives and a few stakeholders are meeting today. I want to make a good impression, and I think you'll find it interesting."

"I hope so, Emily."

She smiled at me briefly before returning her gaze to the road.

As we pulled up to White Nova Robotics, I felt a bit of the tension from the morning lift. The company building was something to admire, standing proudly with its sleek glass walls and modern steel structure. It seemed like a fortress of technology, buzzing with the quiet hum of innovation. Large glass windows on the first floor showcased glimpses of advanced robotics equipment, and as we walked through the revolving doors, I was greeted by the cool, polished interior. The floors were marble, and the walls displayed digital screens showcasing the company's latest projects.

"This place is extraordinary," I muttered under my breath, glancing over at Emily.

She smiled, and there was a little excitement on her face. " I know right? My father built this company and I used to come here when I was little. I loved watching him work, he loved his job." 

We continued down the hall, and so many people in cooperate wear went about their business, it was a busy yet organized environment, then I noticed Robert approaching from the other end.

From the way they bowed when he passed I could tell he was one of the higher-ups at the company and the way he spoke to me last night about joining the team I could tell he had so much say in the company.   But today there was something current about his demeanor, he appeared cold and not friendly. 

As he moved closer to us, he extended his hand only to shake Emily.

"Hi Emily," he greeted her with a cold smile," Good to see you. I will make sure the executive members are ready for you in the conference room. The stakeholders are also eager to meet you, hope your speech is well prepared?"

Emily accepted his hand confidently," Yes uncle, I stayed up all night making sure I got every word out correctly."

"You know we could have waited till you were ready to address them, this company is yours Emily no one is going to take that from you."

"I know uncle, I'm already back home. Why waste any more time in regaining my place as the CEO?"

Robert smiled at Emily and I waited, expecting Robert to acknowledge my presence. But Robert didn't spare me one look. It was as if I wasn't even there. Husbeyes rested on Emily and I felt a rush of confusion.

Last night he was different, asking me different questions, treating me like he was thankful for my help. But now, he seemed unhappy that I was here. 

I forced myself to keep quiet until he spoke to me, I wouldn't be embarrassed coupled with the heartbreak I was going through.

Emily looked up at me tugging my arm softly.

"Are you ready Mason?"

I smiled down at her," I guess I am."

Robert cleared his throat, his attention still on her. "I will be back in a minute Emily, let me try to address the executive team and get everyone on board, they will be waiting in the main conference room, I hope you still remember your way around."

She gave him a professional nod, clutching her bag and starting to follow him but he hurriedly stepped into the elevator and as she was about to enter, her heel caught on the slick marble floor, and she stumbled. Without thinking, I reached out and caught her, my hands wrapping around her waist to steady her. She gasped, her eyes wide as she looked up at me, our faces just inches apart.

"Careful Emily," I murmured under my breath.

For a moment everything else in that room faded— Roberts's snobbish attitude, the ache from my breakup, and the buzzing sounds of the office. It was just her staring up at me with those big dark eyes that seemed to hold so many stories. Her lips curled slowly, and I couldn't help but stare at them. They seem soft and succulent. 

Time seemed to stop as we stayed there, lost in each other's gaze, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a connection, a spark.